Reptiles of Washington

The Columbia Encyclopedia states that reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates, which means that they don't have the ability to regulate their body temperatures. Reptiles are dry-skinned and often have scales. According to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington, 25 different species of reptiles live naturally in the state of Washington. The reptiles of Washington range in length from a couple of inches to a few feet.

  1. Turtles

    • Washington is home to several species of turtles.

      Washington is home to four different families of turtles: snapping turtles, pond turtles, sea turtles and leatherback turtles. There are seven total species.

      The painted turtle, a member of the pond turtle family, is easily identified by the red and orange markings on its belly. These turtles are aquatic reptiles, as is the loggerhead sea turtle. According to the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources website, the loggerhead can grow to be up to three feet long and weigh 250 pounds.

      Leatherback turtles are endangered. According to turtles.org, these aquatic turtles are the largest in the world. The largest leatherback turtle ever found weighed over 2,019 pounds. They usually weigh between 700 and 2,000 pounds.

    Snakes

    • Garter snakes are common in Washington.

      Three families of snakes slither around Washington. Common snakes, also known scientifically as the family Colubridae, share the region with boas and vipers. There are three general species of garter snakes.

      A visitor to the state may also find the western rattlesnake, Crotalus viridus. This is the only venomous snake in Washington. These snakes do not spit venom, but if the venom gets into an open wound it can be dangerous.

      The striped whipsnake is a rare snake in Washington. Its numbers are dwindling because of human encroachment on its territory. Conservationists in Washington are trying to protect striped whipsnakes in the state, where they are far less common than in surrounding areas.

    Lizards

    • Alligator lizards are just one species of lizards that live in Washington.

      There are three families of lizards common in Washington: spiny lizards, skinks and alligator lizards.

      According to CaliforniaHerps.com, northern alligator lizards grow to be about four inches long. When threatened, these lizards can shed their tails to confuse predators.

      Southern alligator lizards also shed their tails. They have yellow eyes and are slightly larger than Northern alligator lizards. They grow up to 5.6 inches.

      According to the Washington Herp Atlas, skinks are the only lizards that have bright blue tails. Skinks are two inches long and their tails are twice the size of their body.

      Short-horned lizards, a member of the spiny lizard family, are round-shaped and sort of flat. They are relatively small, averaging around four inches in length.